Lone Star Lockdown: The Scale and Scope of Texas Incarceration “In Texas, punishment isn’t just policy—it’s culture.” With over 120 state prisons and one of the highest incarceration rates in the country, Texas stands as a towering example of mass incarceration’s reach. As of 2024, Texas incarcerates over 135,000 people1—more than any other state except… Continue reading Southern Sentences, Post 1: Lone Star Lockdown & Behind Bars, Beyond Justice
Category: Systemic Spotlight
Deep dives into current issues related to criminal justice
Southern Sentences: A Comparative Journey Through Texas and Alabama’s Carceral Systems
This seven-part series explores the shared roots, conditions, and consequences of incarceration in two Southern states that exemplify the extremes of systemic injustice—Texas and Alabama. Through this series, I aim to expose the scale of the crisis, trace the historical roots, humanize its impact and envision a path toward justice and redemption. Texas, with its… Continue reading Southern Sentences: A Comparative Journey Through Texas and Alabama’s Carceral Systems
When Justice Stops—The Lawyer Work Stoppage in Massachusetts
The lawyer stoppage in Massachusetts has brought the justice system to a standstill. Public defenders, overwhelmed and underfunded, have reached a breaking point, refusing new cases to highlight the systemic strain. This unprecedented action has led to the release of defendants—not because they were exonerated, but because there was no one left to speak on… Continue reading When Justice Stops—The Lawyer Work Stoppage in Massachusetts